Last week, Adrenaline Mob had both good and bad news to share with fans. Shortly after revealing details regarding their debut full length album, guitarist Rich Ward and bassist Paul DiLeo (both of Fozzy) announced that they were leaving Mike Portnoy and Russell Allen’s super group. The reason? The two wanted to focus on their previous commitments.
Ward released the following humble statement regarding his departure:
“When I was first asked about coming on board as the 2nd guitarist for the Adrenaline Mob project, it was understood that every member of the band had other band commitments, most of us having multiple active music projects. We all acknowledged that it would be a challenge to make it work, but we all agreed that the lineup’s potential was worth making the necessary compromises in each of our schedules. In recent months it was made clear that after the release of the band’s album, scheduling around my previous commitments wasn’t going to be possible, and that it would be necessary to make Adrenaline Mob my sole priority.
This basically meant that if I was to move forward with the Adrenaline Mob guys, I would only be available to continue on recording and touring with Fozzy, Stuck Mojo, and Walking With Kings, when the AMOB wasn’t working. That’s a commitment I just couldn’t make. So, I contacted Mike Portnoy, and told him that I would need to step down and allow the band to find a guy who has the ability to fully commit to the project the way they need him to. His response was gracious and completely understanding.
The experience of playing in a band with Portnoy was amazing. I’ve never met a more passionate, committed musician all my years, and always a complete gentlemen towards me. Playing with musicians of that calibre was an honor and a privilege, I hope they go on to the great things they deserve.”
The remaining band members, which includes guitarist Mike Orlando along with the Symphony X singer and ex-Dream Theater drummer, also released their own statement saying the following:
“Hey Guys, by now we’re sure you’re hearing the news that Rich and Paul are no longer part of Adrenaline Mob. The core of this band has always been the three of us. The album was written and recorded that way. We later added Rich and Paul as part of the original touring lineup and we had a blast touring with them. However, they both had other projects and priorities and could not give a full-time commitment to Adrenaline Mob. We’re all still friends and we wish them all the best in their other bands, but for now, our focus is entirely on Adrenaline Mob, the release of Omertà on 3/13/12, and hitting the road hard and playing for you all soon!”
Ward and DiLeo may not have played a large role in the band’s writing and recording. However, anyone who had the chance to see Adrenaline Mob live this past Summer, like myself, know that the two brought a lot to the group.
Adrenaline Mob have yet to announce replacements for Ward and DiLeo, but as their statement makes it clear, they are continuing to move forward with their plans. Just before news of the split leaked, the band confirmed that the newly formed Elm City Music (in conjunction with EMI Label Services) will release Omertà on March 13. In addition to ten original songs, the band’s debut full length album will also include a cover of Duran Duran’s “Come Undone” (which they performed live before) featuring Halestorm frontwoman Lzzy Hale. You can check out the track listing and cover artwork for Omertà after the jump.
1. Undaunted
2. Psychosane
3. Indifferent
4. All on the Line
5. Hit the Wall
6. Feelin’ Me
7. Come Undone (feat. Lzzy Hale)
8. Believe Me
9. Down to the Floor
10. Angel Sky
11. Freight Train
